Spec House, Arcata, CA.

There are several essential areas that Joyce Plath integrates into the planning for every site:

• minimizing the impact of cars
• maintaining set backs from wet lands and creeks
• drainage
• providing solar exposure for outside gathering areas
• taking advantage of view
• integrating buildings into the site

In larger site planning projects, Joyce also focuses on aspects of the design process to create livable communities, including:

• providing for street planting
• small opportunities for green space such as pocket parks
• creating venues that promote casual social interaction between neighbors
• a sense of individuality and visual privacy for each dwelling
• preventing dwellings from shading each other
• maximizing solar exposure for every unit

"I have worked with Joyce Plath on urban planning and site development projects. Joyce has a very clear sense of spacial relationships. Her projects meld beautifully with their site. I have enjoyed the process of working with her to integrate building and landscape development." -Tina Rousslou, ASLA

"I have had the opportunity to work with Joyce Plath on several occasions. Joyce is creative, innovative and insightful in her approach to site design and planning. She has a unique ability to design around how people and communities interact with the built environment. Her extensive knowledge and experience in green building, community planning, design review, education, residential design, commercial design and hospitality projects are valuable assets that are hard to find." -Mike Nelson